Mrs Wilhemina Sarah Drake, 84, of Coggeshall, passed away on Tuesday 12th May 2009.
She was born to the late William and Fanny McCausland, in Donegal, Southern Ireland.

Wilhemina served as Flight Mechanic in the WRAF during the Second World War being stationed in various locations around England.

She married John Winter Drake in Darlington on the 9^th October 1945, and they lived together in Pinner Middlesex, Harrow Middlesex, Maidenhead Berkshire, before relocating to Coggeshall Essex in 1962.
Wilhemina and John ran the family Watchmaker and Jewellery business in both Coggeshall and Halstead Essex until their retirement.  They were both active members of the Coggeshall Chamber of Trade.

Wilhemina was passionate about serving the local community and some of her commitments include:

Serving as an Independent Councillor with Braintree District Council on many committees such as Planning and Housing, etc.

Representing Braintree District Council on the North East Essex Community Health Council (now the North East Essex Health Authority) her special interest being in mental health

Serving as a Coggeshall Parish Councillor

Being a member and the Chairperson of the Womens Section of the Royal British Legion (Coggeshall and District)

Being a governor of both Honywood and St Peters School in Coggeshall

Wilhemina was an active member of the former Methodist Church in Stoneham Street and founded the Methodist Fireside club.

Wilhemina has been twice recognised for her work in the community by the Queen.

Wilhemina is survived by three children: John William Drake of Halstead, Essex; Robert David Drake of Ipswich and Janet Frances Drake of Ipswich. She also is survived by a grandson John Elliott.